Seriously. I am in an RS4 now. Believe it or not Audi had problems with the RS4 clutch, only on some cars. The clutch also stuck to the bottom. A TSB was issued pronto and then all new models built after last August 06 had a new piece in it.

What is Porsche saying about its customers? Should I hold off until new models come out or what?

I wouldn't worry about it that much.

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resident comedienne

2006 Cayman S - Speed Yellow, Black Interior, Yellow Seat Belts
Sports Chrono Package, 6 Spd, PASM/PSM, Bi-Xenon headlamps
Carrera S wheels 19" - Conti Sport 2, Colored-crest wheel cap
Auto climate control, Heated seats
PCM 2.1 Nav, Denision ICE-Ipod, Bose Surround
De-snorked, Evo V-Flow

If you have read through the existing threads thoroughly, then you've seen that while this is a problem in some cars, the vast majority of cars delivered do not have this problem... yes, when it happens it most certainly sucks, and there's been some bad instances, but not everyone is being stranded 60 miles from the factory during tourist delivery as one member did, or stranded in the Lincoln tunnel as happened to another... these are not good things to have happen, but you have to remember that cars are mechanical things designed and built by humans both of which who are known to be fallible. If you go to other auto enthusiast sites you'll read about plenty of other makes with problems, too.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
PCA DE Instructor

The issue is not whether its normal for mechanical things to have problems. The issue is that there seems to be a systemic problem that can seriously put someone in danger.

Audi put out a TSB fairly quickly, why is Porsche dragging its heels? I have never owned one and am about to buy one. But hearing responses like "don't worry about it" and that all cars have some problems, well that just doesn't inspire confidence in a $70k vehicle.

If you look at the clutch failure registry Clutch Failure Registry you will see that the vast majority happen early on, so the bright side is if your car does have this issue, you will find it out quickly. In most cases it is an easy fix.

Yeah, it sucks when it happens, but it is a small % of Caymans that are on the road. As to why "Porsche is dragging their heels", as you put it, I have no idea, but threads like our failure registry and those that have had issues file a complaint here: NHTSA will get Porsche's attention and get the issue sorted out.

I wouldn't let this issue be the sole reason you decide not to get a Cayman, it really is a minor inconvenience. If you decide to get a Cayman you can always make the dealership check the slave cylinder and pressure plate before you take delivery if you are concerned. The dealership and the salesperson do not get paid on the sale until you take delivery, so there is some incentive on their part to get you to take the car.

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Meet my Mistress...

My Pictures My Cayman S

My Porsche Cars

2007 Cayman S
2006 Cayenne S Titanium Edition
1982 944 (Amoung first shipment to come to US; number 6 off the boat)

I've got an 06 I bought new in March and have about 2400 miles on it. No problems, knock on wood. But the horn went dead and had to have the left window track replaced

I'm not going to even venture a guess as to why Porsche is dragging their heels, if in fact that's the case, but if everyone who didn't have a problem with this were to post to that fact, like many of the people that did have the problem have posted, you would have a huge number that didn't. I'd bet the percentage of cars having this problem is about 1%. The odds of this happening to you are slim. I have 24,000 miles on my car in 17 months of use with lots of it on the track and autocross, and many trips over 3,000 miles in length, and I've had nothing wrong with the car, nothing. Just because you pay $70k or more (in my case $76k) for a car doesn't guarantee its perfectness. Ask any Ferrari owner who's had to put in a new $12k (parts and labor) clutch after 8,000 miles.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
PCA DE Instructor

What should one expect the `average' life of the CS to be? For a non-track driven car?

If you don't feel comfortable buying the car , don't buy it. My car is the 140th car made, and have not had any problems with it . Currently it has over 22,000 miles on the odometer.

Cheers.

I have read numerous posts about how the vast majority of people don't have any problems. If you are the one that has the problem then the "vast majority" rationale suddenly goes out the window. If I had read about these clutch issues, and Porsche's lack of response, I would not have purchased this car. I'll be trailering my car to the track for the first time in two weeks because I have no confidence in the vehicle. I didn't have to trailer my Honda S2000 to the track because I had full confidence I could drive it to and from the track without failure.

The Cayman is a machine, albeit a very good one. They break. That's why we have a warranty.

If you have a clutch problem (in all likelihood you won't) your dealer will repair it and give you a loaner while your car is being repaired.

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Cayman S – A Six Cylinder Symphony

Wow, you and a few others aren't getting it. If I get stuck in some crappy neighborhood, or if my car loses shifting capability in a dangerous driving situation, I may not even make it back to the dealership.

If there is any systemic issue it is a reason for a TSB, perhaps not a recall. That is what a TSB is for. Porsche should provide dealers with instructions and the parts to fix this issue for those who want it, BEFORE it happens, NOT AFTER.

The number of people with RS4s and clutch hose problems were also incredibly small, but that didn't stop them from issuing a TSB. Does Audi have better service and quality than Porsche? Shudder to think.

This is pushing me closer to a base Carrera 2, I hate to say. Thanks for the feedback.